Great Balloon Chase 5K, 10K & 1/2 Marathon
Great Balloon Chase 5K, 10K & 1/2 Marathon is a running race on October 4, 2026 in Albuquerque, NM, with entry fees from $70 to $95.
- Date
- October 4, 2026 (73 days to go)
- Price
- $70–$95
- Sport
- Running
From the Organizer
Rise to the Run!
A destination race celebrating the magic of hot air balloons and the thrill of running
🎉 10th Anniversary Celebration! 🎉
The first 1,000 registrants will receive an exclusive commemorative jacket!
RaceNM proudly presents the Great Balloon Chase—available in a Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K. Get ready for the most breathtaking run of your life! Witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of hot air balloons from the world's largest ballooning event soaring above you as you run.
Why This Race Is a Must-Do
🌄 Unparalleled SceneryWitness the awe-inspiring spectacle of hot air balloons from the world's largest ballooning event soaring above you as you run!
⛰️ Stunning BackdropRace against the majestic Sandia Mountains and the picturesque Rio Grande River Valley. It's like running through a postcard!
🏃 Choose Your ChallengeWhether you're aiming for a half marathon, a swift 10K, or a fun 5K, we've got the perfect distance for you.
✨ Unique ExperienceThere's no other race that combines the thrill of running with the magic of hot air balloons. It's a bucket-list-worthy event!
📸 Unforgettable MemoriesFrom the starting gun to the finish line, every moment will be Instagram-worthy and etched in your memory forever.
Don't Wait to Register!
Early birds get the worm... and the perks!
Register Now
✓ Secure your preferred shirt size (late registrants may have limited options) ✓ Guarantee your spot in this popular event ✓ Ensure you receive the standard finisher's medal (late registrants may receive a slightly different but equally awesome design)Join Us for an Extraordinary Morning Run
Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or a first-time 5K-er, the Great Balloon Chase offers an experience you won't find anywhere else. It's more than a race—it's an adventure, a challenge, and a celebration all rolled into one unforgettable event.
Don't miss out on this chance to be part of something truly special. Lace up your shoes, set your sights high, and chase those balloons!
Important Notes
- • Registration closes when capacity is reached. Early registration is highly recommended to secure your spot and all race perks.
- • This event is not affiliated with any other hot air balloon event.
- • While we strive to provide an amazing balloon-viewing experience, please note that the presence of hot air balloons during the race cannot be guaranteed due to weather conditions and other factors beyond our control.
- • Regardless of balloon activity, we promise an incredible race experience with stunning views and a festive atmosphere!
Join us for this unique destination event that captures the magical spirit of New Mexico's hot air ballooning tradition, combines it with the thrill of running, and showcases the breathtaking beauty of the Land of Enchantment's diverse landscapes!
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
80°
Typical Low
44°
Based on US Climate Normals data from Rio Grande Nature Ctr, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Albuquerque, NM
Population
562,488
as of 2023
City Elevation
4,979 ft
Nearest Airport
ABQ
Albuquerque International Sunport · 3 mi
Time Zone
Mountain Time
From Endurance Grid
A big city race. Expect multiple lodging options and plenty to do the day before.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Great Balloon Chase 5K, 10K & 1/2 Marathon, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
73
Days to train
- Race
- Great Balloon Chase 5K, 10K & 1/2 Marathon
- Date
- October 4, 2026
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From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
More Running races near Albuquerque, NM
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Hella Fresh 5k
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NM SUNFLOWER RUN
5K · 10K · From $45 · 733 Chavez Rd. NW
1 mile away
Dash and Drink for Pink 5k and 1 Mile Run/Walk
1 Mile · 5K · From $20 · 2381 Aztec Rd NE
2 miles away
Plan your trip
Make it a Racecation
Coming from out of town? There's more to Albuquerque than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to AlbuquerqueFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Great Balloon Chase 5K, 10K & 1/2 Marathon
Oct 4, 2026